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How Would You Convince Someone To Purchase The Vita?

Some will blame the unit's relatively high price. Others will say it just doesn't have enough software. And still others will cite the explosion of mobile gaming (smartphones, tablets, etc.) as a major negative influence on Vita sales.

But we're not about to dissect why Sony's slick new portable isn't exactly flying off store shelves. They're not doing the best job convincing gamers to buy the Vita right now, so what would you say to entice a fellow gamer? What would be your argument? Bear in mind that it'll be a tough sell if the person isn't a handheld fan to begin with; as technologically capable as the Vita is, it still qualifies as a handheld device. And some people just aren't interested.

So what would your argument consist of? Would you be pointing out all the great games that really are currently available? Would you point to the most amount of software available for any PlayStation brand launch? Would you mention the sheer technical wizardry and try to explain that it looks a lot like a PS3 in your hands? Would you point toward the future and mention upcoming games that might appeal to them? Would you try to play up the Vita/PS3 connectivity? Would you mention the Cross Buy initiative, which allows people to buy some first-party PS3 games and get the Vita version for free? A chance to save money is always a bonus.

It'd be interesting to hear what some of you say. And remember, "Nah, don't buy that piece of sh**" isn't an argument for buying it. So please, let's not load up the comments with that kind of negativity. ;)

the price would not have been bad had they not nerfed the storage port like a bunch of assholes, I should be allowed to buy sd or microsd or at least use the original memory stick, this change of theres was unjustified, even the ds uses sd, move on sony!@!!!!

Well, the graphics look really good on Uncharted and WipeOut, and there's-- ...well, yes, I still play Uncharted and WipeOut on it, even though those were March's launch games, but they still-- ...well, no, not many games have been released for it, but they're going to make-- ...yyyyyeah, most of the games that HAVE been released are mediocre, but.... ummm.....

Actually, I think in this case that "actions would truly speak louder than words".

So, I wouldn't say much of anything at first, except to ask what type of games they like, and then hand the Vita to them to try out for themselves for a 1/2 hour to an hour. Plus I'd add in a few other types of genres into the mix just for good measure.

Once they're done & after they've asked all their questions, then I'd try to fill in any informational gaps.

Why would I recommend someone else to buy it when I don't think they should? The real price of a unit comes down to above $300 when you factor in a 32Gb memory card(which you should if you want serious gaming out of it). On the other hand, a 3DS with a 32GB memory card costs just $200. And there really aren't that many must-have Vita exclusives worth that extra cost. I mean if Vita has x number of good exclusives, then so does 3DS. So, purely from a gamer's point of view, 3DS is simply a better buy.

It dawned on me this week that the Vita (perhaps along with the DS) is the only practical and true, mobile, gaming platform. Phones are limited by interface. Genuine gaming laptops tie you down. And both of these tend to be on par cost-wise or cost more than the vita (or way more in the case of laptops).And at the end of the day, as on any platform, games sell the system. And from what I'm seeing, there are plenty on their way, and quite a few presently to keep you busy during the short wait.No, obviously, it will not have the mass appeal handhelds had before, since the phones and tablets have taken up a great chunk of that market, but I'm sure it will still deliver to gamers. At least, I know it has for me.

Well said :). Like BikerSaint says above, you just have to let people play the thing, and they get into it - it's great to use, and the available games so far are a _very_ solid library for a platform less than a year old. The best handheld gaming experiences are on the Vita - if you're into the best handheld gaming has to offer, and don't have a Vita, then you're not actually into the best that handheld gaming has to offer.

If there's one thing that could help it'd be Final Fantasy Type-0 or port the Dissidia series to the VITA.Uncharted couldn't help, AC is unlikely as well.Maybe a GOW can help out too.

And how would I convince others?Still looking for a way, I still haven't bought one yet, mainly because I rarely game outside and when I'm home I have my PS3.Last edited by Snaaaake on 11/13/2012 5:13:43 AM

The thing is just too damn expensive once you include memory card prices, and none of the bundle packages I've seen have been any good to be honest. A price drop would sure go a long way to sell more vita, but sony seems dead set on its price point.

They have had sales before. People will always say it is expensive no matter what. The target sale they had a couple of weeks ago many didn't even bother going. So again it won't matter because many people are cheap.Last edited by sawao_yamanaka on 11/13/2012 11:52:36 AM

I think the fickle masses need a very well publicised price drop right now! Xmas present anyone? Unfortunately, that's just the reality of the situation.Last edited by Dukemz_UK on 11/13/2012 2:43:28 AM

Not really. People are cheap, that will never change. You can drop the price and they still whine about the cost. You have to show people the value of the thing in a way they can understand, that's more important in the long run.

People may be cheap cause there are poor countries out there, different jobs, people may get payed cheaper than others, than their is love one's to think about.Last edited by AcHiLLiA on 11/13/2012 3:14:06 PM

No, it doesn't matter if someone is rich or poor, or from a rich country or a pour country. People are cheap. I'm not making a comment on the financial resources that people bring to to the table. This is simply about people tending to be cheap - and in general they are.

a gun?tis the only argument i can think of to convince someone to buy it, especially when you could buy so many better things for the same amount of cashola.its certainly getting better though on the game front at least, theres still crippling missing features and pain in the a$$ restrictions, but eh its a start.it was encouraging to see $ony announce that GG were actually working on KZ mercenaries, and not cambridge.thats what the vita needs, not that their smaller studios are not capable, look at uncharted golden abyss which was done by bend, but a big name developer, especially when their the creator of the big bro version, will certainly help enstil confidence.$ony really needs to start getting ALL their first party devs on the vita, only way its going to be able to stand up against the onslaught of mobile gaming is to show the difference.they cant rely on quantity, they cant rely on oh it has buttons mobiles dont have those, they need to say well mobile games dont have 100+ staff with a 30+M dollar budget now do they?the only way the vita is going to survive is to really push the ps3 on the go theme, if there going to continue hiring f*cking nhillistic, one of the worst developers in the industry, to develop big name titles than they might as well stop supporting it!

There is one segment where I might see a small opportunity: Those who today has become avid gamers on the mobile platform. Cause there's plenty of guys now that do a LOT of gaming on their small devices. That is an opportunity.

The challenge in that case would of course be that since most of the mobile games are based on online play in one way or another, shifting to the Vita would mean an entirely different network than what every other friend is on.

But to keep a positive tone (as requested in the article :) ): I would aim my sales attempts directly at those who today has become avid mobile gamers. The success of the smartphones has recruited a *lot* of new gamers, it has expanded the gaming market like nothing else in recent times. That's where it might have a chance, as a niche device for the gadget friendly, entusiastic mobile gamers who want to advance.

As a matter of fact, maybe even a new console could be marketed towards that segment?"Tired of the small screens and simple games? Time to advance to the *real* deal. Time to get a PS4.".

Nhilistic seems to have done an good job on Declassified. Check out Metacritics user reviews. Most gamers are extremely surprised by what they purchased compared to the game play demo Activision released that almost killed the game dead right there.

I'm sorry, I cannot think of a single reason to buy the vita yet. For now I am still content with my PSP. While it is getting titles like Gravity Rush and Tearaway, I just need more. None of the touch screen features interest me, all I would use it for is as a games console and the games have yet to deliver in my opinion.

The PS Vita cannot play my UMD's. All my PSP games are UMD, so if anything it is more restrictive to me. Sure it can play all my PS1 games, but so can my PSP... I have yet to see an appealing reason to upgrade to a vita.

No, none of that Online content appeals to me, I don't mean to sound like a sour puss, but I simply have no need for it on a portable console as I have my phone phone on me at all times.

If I were to get a portable console it would be about the games. So far none of the Vita games are jumping out at me. Uncharted might be alright, but it is not something I would buy a Vita for.

You sound like a sour puss. Pining for an UMD exchange program is pointless since it's not gonna happen. However as was pointed out, Almost all PSP downloadable titles (of which there are a lot) work flawlessly on Vita and look fabulous on the OLED screen. Actually, that screen is larger, brighter, crisper and all-round better making PSP and PS1 titles played on Vita a far better experience than the same titles on an actual PSP.

So, so thankful the Vita does NOT play UMDs. The Vita is very nearly silent, and there are no gears turning discs inside. Such a pleasant user experience.

A ton of PSP games are available for download on the cheap, you can always get them that way. Or, just hold on to your PSP if you think you'd like to take that particular trip down memory lane at some point.

Wow, telly has a really great point! Never seen the situation that way! I guess the VITA is quieter, huh? Ultimadream, the only way I can convince you to buy a PSVita is by saying, the PSVita is an improvement over any PSP known to man kind. All around.

He has a point. The Vita can play PSP games, but Ultimadream has the games on UMD, which the Vita does not accept and u have to pay extra just to play on Vita. That right there is not worth it unless if Ultimadream wants to play Vita games.Last edited by AcHiLLiA on 11/13/2012 3:02:23 PM

I'll just say, "you're a human, this is a gaming device, I don't see how this can end bad?"

But seriously, the PSVita can do so much more that Ps3 can't. It will download your games on the background even if you're on a chat. PSVita is a great device for using the chat functionality while you play your PS3. Especially when you play games like BF3 with your friends or SOCOM Confrontation.

I've seen many peoples comments saying that they bought a PSVita just for Persona 4 Golden. That might work if said friend is into JRPGs?

Ps2 classics are making it to the PSVita store with updated controls like US Navy Seals Fire Team Bravo 2/3. Then there are games like Final Fantasy. Some games are meant to be played on the PSVita that just seem better played on it, for example P4G. Certain titles give you the Vitaa version of the game free if you buy the PSV/Ps3 version of the game via cross-buy promotion.

Nothing is needed! The price is right, games are great. It just needs time and support. The more games they release on the Vita will convince more and more. This is truly a marathon not a sprint. Haters are going to hate and there are plenty on this site. All I know is that I own a ton of excellent games on the Vita and it has never left my house. I am gamer and love gaming in all different kinds of ways. It's a very intimate connection that the PS3 cannot provide. All I can say is keep your worthless opinions to yourself unless you have actually sat down and played it for 30 minutes or so. Don't knock it until you try it. Imagine how stupid you sound saying it sucks when you haven't even tried it yet!! Hilarious!Last edited by CrusaderForever on 11/13/2012 9:22:23 AM

It seems a lot of people are already convinced they don't want it, for whatever reason the media or their friends have plugged into their heads.

The best way to 'convince' someone to buy a Vita is to put the damn thing in their hands with a game that appeals to them.

My sister and her husband both said they didn't want one until I went over to visit and let them play mine. She played Rayman, he played Hot Shots. Sold! They went out the next day and bought one each.

Nice! This is what I am talking about. If you would just try it you will go to hell and back to get one.

Also, all devs don't quite understand the tech yet so games are just going to get better and better. For the first 9 months I would say all devs except for Nhilistic's RBS have done an admiral job. I am also seeing positive user reviews for Black Ops Declassified! Wouldn't it be great if Declassified turned out to be an awesome CoD experience on the go!

I think most people just want mobile gaming to be simple, and with them most likely to own some kind of smart device, they already have access to a lot of quick cheap games.

The Vita provides deep, great looking games, but does that really matter anymore? That said, in my opinion it's nearly impossible to convince anyone of buying the Vita unless the person really likes games, because it doesn't offer much else other than that. I was one of the ones that cancelled on early Vita plans because of this.

Very true Tes. I actually convinced 3 people to buy a vita for themselves. They complained about it not having games and it's price, you know the same complaints like always. So I showed them the system and let them have their way with it. Now a week after they went out and purchased it. They have sales all the time and it comes with memory. There really aren't anymore excuses besides blind fanboys or ignorance from people who have not had hands on experience with the system. It is awesome!

Like everyone has said, put a Vita in the hands of a gamer and they are sold. To sell Vita, I think Sony needs to do the following.

TV commercials - make sure people know about it

In store demo units running one of the following - Hot Shots Gold, Uncharted, Wipeout.

Xmas bundles. 1) $250 for either model (the 3G is pointless without a contract, so you're gonna make up the money there, so why have a different price for it?) plus game, plus 16GB memory, plus voucher for PSN title.

Roadshows - send some nice, pretty sales reps out into the major malls with a Vita promotional display and 4 playable (but chained down) units. Give them coupons to hand out to people that try the thing that get them $25 off a holiday bundle.

Last, but by no means least, games. More games = mode hardware sales. Oh, and while we're att it, more mobile games and apps, and more apps in general. Look Sony, this thing isn't going to be a smartphone, not really, nor is it going to be a fully fledged tablet device. But it has all the capabilities to be at least a part time tablet, so give it some apps - even a freaking alarm clock would be nice.

This. I just got the white PS Vita/ACIII bundle, and the thing just feels amazing in your hands. The lineup is actually quite excellent at this point too. I think some early-adopters/observers felt the stream of quality games wasn't high enough, but there's a huge backlog of stuff out there now I can't wait to try out.

I'd now also add that next week PS Vita gets PS Plus, and the opening lineup of games is INSANE. A no-brainer, tremendous value, I'll probably download it day 1.

I recently picked one of these up for the assassin's creed game and honestly don't find that the games themselves are the draw, or even the greatest thing about this handheld! Aside from the fact that it is literally a ps3 in your hands it also functions much like a tablet! The touch screen is incredibly accurate and you can download apps just like a tablet! You can even skype on this thing so if you have the 3g version, who the heck needs a phone? and while you're at it, who needs a tablet? This does everything I ever wanted in a handheld, system and tablet! I don't bother to bring my computer to school anymore, I bring my Vita! If I didn't already have a ps3 I would never even bother to buy one!

This generation of handhelds is really shaping up to be my favorite yet. I have the 3ds as well and I love them more than my system these days.

For JAPAN: They need to get Monster Hunter on that thing one way or another. Get MONSTER HUNTER on it...and you've captured the Japanese market completely.

As for the U.S. - the promise here or the vibe for most people was that they can play many hardcore games. So...bring out hardcore games that can only be played on the PS VITA. DON'T DO ANY OF THE S**T WHERE SOMETHING THAT COMES OUT FOR THE PS3 COMES OUT FOR THE VITA. That shouldn't even be considered as software which might sell the VITA.

You want games that can only be developed on the VITA and stuff that shows what exactly the VITA is capable of: which is quite a lot. 3rd party developers won't do it since there just isn't a consumer base for the device which is why SONY has to get the first party studios on it and MAKE games for it.

That's the only way...and once they make some hit games for it, the 3rd party developers will certainly come.

I disagree about the PS3/Vita games thing. I think that the more cross play, cross control and cross buy options that there are the better. WiiU is trying to make out that it's the only game in town with a 'second screen' where as we know that's a bunch of balderdash. Sony has a unique opportunity with Vita/PS3 cross play/control/buy options, they should take as much advantage of that as they do exclusive games - which they definitely should push.

Love this thing! Especially with the PS Plus free games about to come out and the pretty great bundle offers out there, if you're into games, it's a fantastic system and a good value. Now if Sony will just release a God of War...

Their in-store REPS (most of them but maybe not all) don't even believe or act optimistic. Heck I was driving sales like crazy in my store while other stores in the region only relied on the Sony reps and got dismal sales.

They need better REPS that will transmit all the good stuff and share their enthusiasm with the salesmen! That is all they need. Because if you can't get the salesmen to believe in what they sell... They won't push it or care about it.

I remember once my REP came in and was all down about the Vita sales telling me all the negative comments about the *no umd* or *memory* or *price* and I was the one who actually had to put him back to his place lining up all the good reason to buy one!

Here's a few for right now:

-Console-ish quality graphics-Dual Joystick-Playstation Plus coming with A LOT of free titles like UNCHARTED, GRAVITY RUSH AND MORE! WHATTTT?! :D-Wifi with decent browser-Can be used as a remote for certain PS3 games-Can be used for camera skype-Has most of the best video-streaming services-Youtube support-Multitouch screen and backpanel touch-Great screen with HD display (for it's size)-Plays PS1 and is retro-compatible with previous PSP digital downloads giving you access to more than 300 PSP titles out of the box!-Looks and feels solid and reliable!-Cheaper and stronger than an Ipod touch!-Allows for the user to continue a PS3 game on-the-go in up-coming titles like ratchet, sly and PS allstar Battle royale! Even better, when you buy these games for PS3 you get the VITA version FREE!!!

Anyway that's just a few of the reasons I pushed. Usually it was very easy to sell since I was able to convey my feelings to the customer. That is what Sony nees to do!

Also let people know that you CAN get some great Vita games on the super-cheap.

Are they into cars & racing? Then just show them your "FREE" game Motorstorm RC, that also came with a lot of FREE DLC vehicles, & most of the others are only .49 cents, with full DLC car bundles being only 1.99 to 2.99.

Are they into platforming, then if you've D/L'ed "Escape Plan", right there is another very good game and for only $15. Plus the extra storyline DLC was only $1.49 to boot.

And a lot of games will be getting very good discounts too, once the Vit's PS+ kicks in.

i just bought a vita for my birthday on ebay, payed 150$ for the 3g version, I enjoy the system, i think the OS of the system flows wonderful and i can play my old psp games and upscale them, the downside, there are not many games at all that i am interested in. and the ones that are coming out now look like they are programming for the psp not the vita, (i.e. the new CoD vita game) is just degrading to what the console can do, there are a few however that are wonderfully made and i can't wait to get them, but the system totally needs more games and for developers to try a little.

oh and way more games need that cross buy thing, cause that just isnt going to get anywhere with 1 game supporting it, i was down 100% to get tekken vs streetfighter and a handful of other games but i dont want to buy them twice and i know i would want to play them on my ps3.

While pricing of the unit may be an issue for some, I think they need to lower prices on the memory cards. They are WAY more expensive than SD cards of the same size. I would love to buy a few of them, but not at those prices.
I just picked up a Vita a few weeks ago due to the fact that there will be a new Ratchet game soon. I'm a huge Ratchet fan and will buy any game that comes out. If not for that game coming out, I wouldn't have bought one at this time.
I really hope there will be aftermarket adapters that allow us to use SD cards eventually. I know Sony doesn't want that to happen, but unless they considerably lower the cost of their branded memory sticks, I will gladly support the use of such a device.

Most people I just let them try mine out. I also mentioned the over 300 PSP RPG titles you can get for cheap on it. The Vita is limited with games but the few they have are solid. Gravity Rush, Assassin's creed, Katamari, Uncharted, etc.

Yeah some of those are just simplified versions of the console game with a different story but still decent games.

I found a majority of the people were turned off by the price. If it drops down in price, say to around $199 or so it will move. Wallets are tight right now and there is not as much excess spending for a handheld system that costs as much or more than some full consoles.

The storage thing sucks too and I agree with a poster a few back that it should be able to use other storage types but Sony is known for doing that (memory stick ,etc.) They should price the storage better though.

So yeah for most people I pretty much sold the system to at least 3 people just by letting them try it out. The fact it can be used with PS One titles, PSP titles and of course its own titles makes it a deeper system then it looks on the surface.

AC is a start but I need more than a couple of games to sell myself on a system.Right now its a really cool netflix player to me. I need to see at least 7-10 must have titles. I will never play games on my phone.Nothing more than an impulse buy and I hate the Idea of having to buy memory for it, that I cant use on anything else.